Department of Turkish Language and Culture, National Chengchi University

Introduction

History

History

Department of Turkish language and culture, formerly known as Department of Oriental Languages, was founded in August, 1990. Consisted of only Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures and Department of Korean Language and Culture initially, Department of Oriental Languages expanded the Turkish division with the instruction of Chiang Kai-shek. Besides, with the approval of Ministry of National Defense, we employed teacher Liu En-ling as the first instructor followed by teacher Ma Ming-dao.

Except people speaking Turkish about seven thousand or so in Turkey, there are a lot more Turkic ethnics spreading through Northwest provinces as well as regions in Central Asia, Western Asia and Eastern Europe. Because of frequent changes of Turkic ethnics and its expansive spread, their language and development of history caught the attention of Western scholars. Therefore, it brought about the rise of Turcology. Renowned colleges in Europe and America have graduate schools of Turcology and they hold academic seminars periodically.

In 1971, our government ended diplomatic relations with Turkey because of its acknowledgement of P.R.C. Hence, the Turkish division played the role that maintained the cultural relationship between R.O.C. and Turkey. Beside assisting units concerned to receive guests and students overseas, offering consultation and translation services, we also had students for advanced studies in Turkey. In 1989, Taiwan External Trade Development Council established business center in Istanbul, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs also established Economic and Cultural Office in Ankara, capital of Turkey, which in advance reinforced concrete relationship of business and foreign affairs.

In 1993, National Chengchi University established sister school with AnkaraUniversity, and signed academic cooperation agreement which promoted cultural exchange with each other. Other than that, NCCU has consecutively established sister schools and signed academic cooperation agreement with Bilkent University, Kadir Has University, Koc University, Istanbul University, Sabanci University, etc. since 2006.

Being the only Turkish department in Taiwan, we not only have employed two Turkish exchange teachers, but expect to enhance the teachership in the future. We will coordinate with the trend, improve the environment for research, increase the interaction between teachers and students, update teaching materials and methods in hope for helping the future of the students and the development of Turkish Department.